My son and I at a surf competition in Carcavelos.
Packing for Portugal Family Trip Table of Contents
- Essentials to Pack Year-Round
- Month-by-Month Packing Tips
- Packing by Travel Type (Littles, Road Trips, Beach Days and Cities)
- Final Tips from a Mom Who’s Been There
And check out my separate blog post on Regional Packing and a full packing list for Portugal here!
As an Amazon Affiliate, I will receive a small commission on some of the links below at no extra cost to you. Thanks!
At Dunes of Cresmina
What I Pack for a Portugal Family Trip (after 12+ trips!)
Portugal is one of my favorite places to explore as a family. After traveling here dozens of times with kids in tow—from chubby toddlers to picky tweens—I’ve packed (and overpacked!) for every season. Whether you're wandering the tiled streets of Lisbon, hiking along Madeira's levadas, or soaking up the sun in the Algarve, having the right clothes and gear can make your family trip so much smoother!
This month-by-month guide is here to help you figure out exactly what to pack for Portugal with kids, no matter what time of year you visit.
Speaking of those Lisbon cobblestones...
Essentials to Pack Year-Round for a Portugal Family Trip
Before we dive into the monthly guide, here are the must-haves I always bring on our family trips to Portugal:
- Lightweight layers for everyone as the wind can make things colder at any point in the day. This is my favorite packable rain jacket for women and for kids.
- Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones are not just in Lisbon! They are everywhere from the islands to the beaches!) I wear these white shoes almost ever day in Portugal. Kids shoes should have good grips like these Keens that my kids with wider feet love.
- Baby carrier as there are cobblestones and hills every where and a stroller will only be of use in the airport and museums. My sister visited Portugal and used this carrierdaily with her toddler.
- Refillable water bottles. Our family's favorite brand are these Kodee ones because of the handle, silicone base and different mouths. Lots of different sizes!
- European plug adapters. We've used these for years and they work great!
- Sunscreen and hats (yes, even in winter!) Lots of great sunscreens to try from a Portugal Farmacia but until you visit one, I love this brand for the whole family!
- Basic first-aid kit. Nice small one I found on Amazon but I haven't used yet.
- I always bring a reusable water bottle since tap water is mostly safe to drink across the country.
- And don’t forget to bring printed copies or digital backups of passports, insurance info, and any tickets or reservation confirmations just in case your phone runs out of battery while you’re out exploring.
What to Pack for a January & February Family Trip to Portugal
Portugal can be surprisingly chilly this time of year, especially in the north. The homes are not insulated and there is a lot of rain. Lisbon and Porto are damp and brisk, while Madeira is milder but still not hot! Our family traveled to Madeira in February and loved it! Read all about our trip to Madeira, the whale watching, renting a car and our all-inclusive hotel.
Average Weather in Portugal for January and February:
- Lisbon: High 59°F / Low 46°F / ~10 rainy days
- Porto: High 56°F / Low 43°F / ~15 rainy days
- Algarve: High 61°F / Low 46°F / ~9 rainy days
What we packed for January and February in Portugal:
- Warm layers for when it's cold/sun/cold/sun: fleece, sweaters, light puffer jackets. These Columbia Fleeces are great quality and price.
- Waterproof shoes or boots. Merrill makes great hiking sneakers for kids and adults that are water proof and have great grip but I highly recommend you and your child break them in first before your trip!
- Rain jackets(see above) or compact umbrellas (says windproof and lifetime replacement!)
- Indoor entertainment for kids (think: travel games like UNO (we love this waterproof UNO and sticker books)
What to Pack for March and April Portugal Family Trip
Spring is in the air! Flowers are blooming, and the weather is warming up, but rain showers are still common.
Average Weather for Portugal in March and April
Lisbon: High 66°F / Low 50°F / ~8 rainy days
Porto: High 63°F / Low 47°F / ~12 rainy days
Algarve: High 67°F / Low 51°F / ~6 rainy days
What we pack for March and April Portugal Trip
- T-shirts, cardigans, light jackets
- Raincoat or packable ponchos
- Sneakers
- Swimsuits if heading to Madeira or a hotel with a heated pool
- Kids Sun Hats: After trying out tons of types, these Sunday Afternoon hats have been my favorite for the last 6 years. Baby and Toddler version here and my son’s 5-year-old Adventure Hat here. (5 full stars on Amazon) I love the UV protection, safety chin strap, and neck portion.
- My Favorite Sun Hat: And this is my favorite sun hat that I wear every single day in Portugal and it really holds up to sitting, smushing, sunscreen etc! Has an adjustable band which is good for my head size. B07MT5CW5W
- UPF Hoodie: If you've seen me on Instagram over the past 12 months, I always wear my UPF 50 Hoodie on at playgrounds! I love that it is breathable and 50 UPF. I don't have to worry about applying sunscreen to my neck and arms when we are out exploring! They have lots of sizes and colors. B0DR79N6D9
May and June What to Pack for a Portugal Family Trip
My personal favorite time to visit. It's warm and sunny, but not oppressively hot and not as many crowds as July and August. Perfect for beach days and city strolls.
Average Portuguese Weather for May and June:
Lisbon: High 75°F / Low 57°F / ~4 rainy days
Porto: High 71°F / Low 54°F / ~7 rainy days
Algarve: High 77°F / Low 60°F / ~2 rainy days
What we pack in May and June in Portugal:
- Shorts, sundresses, lightweight tops
- UV-protective swimwear for the kids
- Light sweater or hoodie for evenings
- Sandals and comfy walking shoes
- My Favorite Sun Hat: And this is my favorite sun hat that I wear every single day in Portugal and it really holds up to sitting, smushing, sunscreen etc! Has an adjustable band which is good for my head size.
- UPF Hoodie: If you've seen me on Instagram over the past 12 months, I always wear my UPF 50 Hoodie on at playgrounds! I love that it is breathable and 50 UPF. I don't have to worry about applying sunscreen to my neck and arms when we are out exploring! They have lots of sizes and colors.
And this is my favorite sun hat that I wore every single day in Portugal and it really holds up!
July and August What to Pack for a Portugal Family Trip
Portugal is hot and bustling with summer tourists. We usually head to the coast or up to the mountains for a breeze.
Average Weather:
Lisbon: High 84°F / Low 64°F / ~1-2 rainy days
Porto: High 77°F / Low 60°F / ~3 rainy days
Algarve: High 85°F / Low 66°F / ~1 rainy day
What we pack for Portugal Trip:
- Breathable, cotton or linen clothing
- Swimsuits, rash guards, sun hats
- Cooling towels or mini fans (so helpful for hot city walks) We have this cute portable fan that my kids love...so we got two!
- Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen (I have found that the UV can be much higher here than I thought!)
- Water bottles and snacks for sightseeing
- My Favorite Sun Hat: And this is my favorite sun hat that I wear every single day in Portugal and it really holds up to sitting, smushing, sunscreen etc! Has an adjustable band which is good for my head size.
- UPF Hoodie: If you've seen me on Instagram over the past 12 months, I always wear my UPF 50 Hoodie on at playgrounds! I love that it is breathable and 50 UPF. I don't have to worry about applying sunscreen to my neck and arms when we are out exploring! They have lots of sizes and colors.
![JISULIFE Handheld Mini Fan, 3 IN 1 USB Rechargeable Portable Fan [12-19 Working Hours] with Power Bank, Flashlight, Pocket Design for Travel/Summer/Concerts/Lash, Gifts for Women (Pink)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31b6q6tj2NL._SL500_.jpg)
What to Pack for a September and October Trip to Portugal
Still beach weather, especially in the Algarve and Madeira, but with fewer crowds and more golden light. Truly my favorite time of year in Portugal! I will say there are some areas that may have wild fires at this time of year as it can be the driest. You can check Fogos.pt for the up to date fire info. They sell mini portable air purifiers now that might be nice to have on hand.
Average Weather:
Lisbon: High 78°F / Low 61°F / ~5 rainy days
Porto: High 73°F / Low 57°F / ~9 rainy days
Algarve: High 79°F / Low 63°F / ~3-5 rainy days
What we pack:
- A mix of summer and light fall clothing
- Swimsuits, just in case
- Light jackets for cooler mornings and evenings
- Good walking shoes (we always end up hiking this time of year!) These are my hiking boots and ones for kids.
This photo was taken on a winter day in Cascais Portugal!
November and December Portugal Packing List
The holiday magic in Portugal is real. Expect cooler temps and rain, but also festive markets and cozy cafés.
Average Weather:
Lisbon: High 61°F / Low 49°F / ~10 rainy days
Porto: High 57°F / Low 45°F / ~13 rainy days
Algarve: High 63°F / Low 50°F / ~8 rainy days
What we pack:
- Warm layers: sweaters, scarves, jackets. I love a travel scarf like this and wear one often on planes, trains and movie theaters!
- Waterproof shoes
- Rain jackets or travel umbrellas (this portable umbrella says its rainproof which I think is great for Portugal's famous wind!)
- Holiday outfits for family photos (Portugal does Christmas beautifully)
What to Pack for a Portugal Trip By Activity
Here are a few extras I pack depending on what kind of trip we’re doing:
If We’re Flying with Littles:
For Road Trips:
- Check out my blog post on Car Activiteis for Road Trip Games some are free!
For the Beach:
- Sand toys, pop-up tent, and beach blanket (sandproof?!)
- Mesh bags for sandy clothes
- Extra sunscreen and a change of clothes
For City Hopping:
- Baby carrier (some sidewalks just don’t love strollers!)
- ID bands for kids
- A lightweight backpack to stash everyone’s essentials
Final Tips from a Mom Who’s Been There
- You can find diapers, wipes, and baby food at most major grocery stores (Pingo Doce, Continente, and Lidl are our go-tos).
- Leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs! My kids love to bring home handmade toys, cork wallets, and postcards.
- Layers are key. Portugal's weather can shift in a day, especially if you’re traveling between Lisbon, Porto, and the coast.
- I have lots more Travel Guides for Portugal here!
No matter what time of year you go, Portugal is warm and welcoming to families. Pack smart, dress in layers, and leave space for adventure—and a few pastel de nata!
